| Sandy continued his fine form into 1980 and such was his consistency
that he enjoyed seven top three finishes and not once did he fail to
finish in the top twenty. He tasted success at the Welsh Classic of
that year and the following season brought further victories at the
French Open and Lawrence Batley International. In 1982 he defended his
Lawrence Batley crown and the next couple of years saw more success at
the Madrid Open,Italian Open and the Lancome Trophy. Admirable though
Lyle's play had been during his blossoming career his best performance
to date in any of the four majors was his 8th place finish in the 1982
Open at Royal Troon. The 1985 Open at Royal St. George's was the scene
for Sandy's greatest hour to date as he put right that rather
disappointing major's record with a one stroke victory from American
Payne Stewart. The Shrewsbury born Lyle had opened in fine fashion with a
68 followed by a second round 71 to share the lead with Australian
David Graham. By the start of the final day Sandy trailed Graham and
Bernhard Langer by three shots thanks to his third round 73 but he was
not to be denied and his final round 70 landed him his first major
championship. The turning point came at the 14th & 15th where Sandy
made consecutive birdies to move into the joint lead and the photo above
shows him celebrating after sinking that all important putt at the 15th
hole. Sandy's victory saw him as the first Briton since Tony Jacklin in
1969 to lift the old claret jug. Lyle competed in the 1981,'83 &
'85 Ryder Cups but returned a disappointing three and a half points from
a possible ten . (David Scranage) |